Opelousas Aldermen Want More Protection for Animals at Events

Horses are a major part of the culture in St. Landry Parish but the Board of Aldermen is considering strict new regulations.

With trail-rides and parades throughout the year aldermen fear that some animals are being mistreated.   Opelousas's Chief Administrative Officer Laura Balthazar said that "some are being kept on very small plots of land including some yards with two or three horses and not enough grass to feed them."

The Aldermen may soon consider an ordinance mandating that horses be afforded at least one acre of land and proper shelter.  Currently an ordinance only bans livestock from roaming freely and frequently horses break loose and wander about.  Opelousas resident Joe Citizen says the animals break loose due to a lack of grazing grass.